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The Power of Example
The
Power of Example (Lesson 3 in a series from 1 Thessalonians)
Introduction:
All of us, at some time in our lives, have
learned by example. You learned to write and ride a bike by
example. Often for the first few weeks on a job, you learn by
watching and following others. The Bible discusses the power of
example throughout its pages and describes its importance in the
life of a Christian. In our text, I Thessalonians 1:6-10, Paul
writes to the young Christians at Thessalonica about how their
lives, which were imitations of Christ, were examples to others. He
finishes this section by reminding them why they were living as they
were.
Text: I Thessalonians 1:6-10
Body:
I. Imitate the Lord (verse 6)
“Followers” – [Literally, mimickers or
imitators] In I Corinthians 11:1, Paul wrote to another group of
Christians, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of
Christ.” A Christian then is to strive to imitate Christ. I Peter
2:21-13 Notice they became imitators when they ‘received the word.’
“Embraced the gospel” – I Thessalonians 2:13
Notice what James told his readers, “Receive with meekness the
implanted word.” James1:21 One does not learn to imitate Christ
from visions, better-felt-than-told experiences, human philosophy,
traditions, . . .
“In much affliction” – They were imitating Paul
and Christ in this respect. This began immediately after the church
was started. Acts 17:1-8 Paul - II
Corinthians 1:8-10 Their world changed drastically upon becoming
Christians. Life without problems and suffering is not worth
pursuing. The gospel is not primarily a way to emotional well-being
and material success. Suffering and joy go together. Family,
friends, and co-workers would now have nothing to do with them. In
many cases, they were abased and beaten. Yet, in spite of this,
they were filled with joy. James 1:2-3, Romans 5:3-5
II. Be An Example to Others (verses 7-8)
As a result of following Christ and other
ones of faith, now the Thessalonian Christians were examples to
others. The good report of their endurance and steadfastness had
spread far and wide. They had an outstanding reputation from
Macedonia in northern Greece to Achaia in southern Greece. The word
of their courage under fire had sounded forth, trumpeted, rang out
clearly to such an extent that it was not necessary for Paul to tell
people about them. They already knew! How? Ones who came to
Thessalonica heard the story and then left. Or they heard by Jews
through the synagogue. Recall that this city was a seaport and on a
major trade route, thus it had many visitors.
There is great power in a positive
example. James describes this in James 5:10-11.
Reading about their faith motivates us to live as we should. The
liberal giving of the poor saints of Macedonia was an example to
saints of Achaia. II Corinthians 8:1-7
By us enduring through trials and
sufferings, we are an example to other Christians to do the same.
Timothy was told, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are
young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in
love, in faith and in purity.” I Timothy 4:12 It doesn’t make any
difference if you are a relatively new Christian – so were the
Thessalonians!
An impact is also made on unbelievers by
our good example. I Peter 2:11-12
III. The Motivation Behind It All (verses 9-10)
The report, which sounded forth, told of
how Thessalonian Christians had turned from idols to God. They had
renounced their allegiance to gods they had previously served.
They turned their backs on dead, lifeless, pagan idols and stopped
worshipping the false gods they had formerly loved. They had
adopted true worship and had become slaves of the only real God, the
living and one true God. I Corinthians 8:4-6 Here is an example of
the power of the gospel! Today we can serve idols of money, power,
prestige, looks, or sex. Don’t just talk about religion, but we
must live lives that follow God.
Their decision to change centered around
two key elements of the gospel message. They were absolutely
convinced of these facts.
- Jesus was raised from the dead. I
Corinthians 15:20-22 We can experience life because of this.
- Jesus’ second coming – This great event
would mark when He brings wrath on the disobedient and delivers
the obedient from the wrath.
John 5:28-29
“God’s love and wrath are two sides of the same coin”.
Invitation:
While in these mortal bodies, we have an
opportunity to turn from idols to God, as the Thessalonians did.
Christ said that if we do not turn, we will perish. Why not
experience the same joy the Thessalonians did?
If we follow the Lord, He will lead us to
the Father in Heaven.
Bobby Stafford
April 17, 2011
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